Image input apparatus, image output apparatus, and transfer method

ABSTRACT

A transfer method for transferring data between a digital still camera and a printer in direct communication with each other. The digital still camera stores an image file of an input image and a conversion file including conversion information for carrying out color conversion in a preset color space common to both the digital still camera and the printer. The method includes a first transfer step of transferring from the digital still camera to the printer the conversion file and a second transfer step of transferring the image file from the digital still camera to the printer. The printer carries out color conversion of and outputs the image of the image file transferred in the second transfer step using the conversion information included in the conversion file transferred in the first transfer step.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an image input apparatus, an imageoutput apparatus, and a data transfer method for transferring databetween an image input apparatus and an image output apparatus, and moreparticularly, to data transfer between an image input apparatus and animage output apparatus when printing an input image sensed with an imageinput apparatus typified by a digital camera or a video camera using animage output apparatus typified by a printer.

2. Description of the Related Art

Recently, digital cameras (image input apparatuses) that can sense animage with a simple operation and convert the sensed image into digitalimage data have come to be widely used. When printing out an imagesensed with such a camera and using it as a photograph, ordinarily, itis common to do something like the following: First, the sensed digitalimage data is sent from the digital camera to a PC (computer). Then,after the image data is processed at the PC, the processed image data isoutput from the PC to a color printer and printed.

In addition, a color printing system capable of transferring digitalimage data directly from the digital camera to the color printer withoutgoing through a PC and printing an image has also been developed.Hereinafter, such a printing system is referred to as “direct printing”.In such a direct color printing system, for matching colors, a techniquecalled color management system (CMS) that matches color reproductionbetween different image devices is used. CMS is comprised of a deviceprofile that describes the color reproduction characteristics of eachimage device and a color matching method that carries out colormatching.

As one example of a technology that implements this type of colormanagement, a system that carries out color management based on an ICCcolor profile defined by the International Color Consortium (ICC) isknown. This CMS first defines a device-independent hub color space or aprofile connection space (PCS) for carrying out color matching, and thenimplements color management using a source profile that defines colorconversion from a device color space to the hub color space/PCS and adestination profile that defines color conversion from the hub colorspace/PCS to the device color space.

The CMS processing system is composed mainly of two conversionprocesses. First, based on the source profile, color signal values inthe device color space suited to an input side device of an input imageare converted into color signal values in the hub color space/PCS. Then,based on the destination profile, the color signal values in the hubcolor space/PCS are converted into color signals in the device colorspace suited to an output side device.

In relation to CMS, the following types of technologies have also beenimplemented. First, using a framework for file specification such asTIFF (Tag Image File Format) file or PDF (Portable Document Format)file, a profile is imbedded in the file. Then, the PC or device carriesout color conversion based on the imbedded profile.

At the same time, an EXIF (Exchangeable Image File Format) specificationis known. In the EXIF specification, information relating tocharacteristics of the sensed image and to image sensing conditions isimbedded in each image file, which enables the output device todetermine the characteristics of the image during image sensing and thesettings used during image sensing for each image file.

Under conditions such as these, there is a desire to make a tint of theoutput image a color that reflects individual preferences. In thisregard, a method that makes it possible to obtain the tint or tonecharacteristics that a user desires in a printing system for printing acolor image has been proposed (for example, JP-2000-190572-A).

In addition, a printing apparatus capable of switching among a pluralityof color correction systems (for example, JP-H07-298077-A) and a methodfor confirming color processing results by displaying on a display unitof the device the results of implementing a plurality of device profiles(for example, JP-H11-017970-A) have also been proposed.

However, to output an image of a color that the user prefers using asimple method that does not go through a PC entails the followingproblems.

First, in the method for imbedding the device profile as typified by theICC profile in the image profile, because the device profile must beimbedded in each image file, the size of the image files increases,lengthening the data transfer time as a result. In a device such as adigital camera, which is widely used as an image input device,ordinarily a battery is used as the device's power supply. With thetransfer time directly affecting battery life, even a slight reductionin transfer time is desired.

Moreover, with the method of storing the parameters used during imagesensing as typified by EXIF, because the user must estimate the imagesensing parameters that will produce the desired result during imagesensing, the user must estimate the image to be obtained from thesettings of the camera, which requires a high degree of skill.

In addition, with the method for reflecting user preferences ofJP-2000-190572-A, a method in which the user specifies the desired colorfrom among basic colors is disclosed. However, if the user is notknowledgeable about or does not have experience with color processing,changing such typical colors as red, blue, green, and yellow to give aphotograph one has taken oneself the desired tint is a difficult thingto do.

Further, with the printing apparatus capable of switching among aplurality of color correction methods described in JP-H07-298077-A, itis necessary to store the device profile of the input device in theoutput device. As a result, the color correction method cannot be freelyset for all input devices, which limits the user's choices.

Moreover, the method for confirming color processing results bydisplaying on the display unit of the device the results of implementinga plurality of device profiles described in JP-H11-017970-A has thefollowing defect. Namely, with the display unit mounted on the devicesuch as the digital camera that is widely used as the image inputdevice, the display area is very small and difficult to see clearly, andsatisfactory confirmation cannot be made.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been made in consideration of the abovesituation, and has as its object to reduce the amount of datatransferred between an image input apparatus and an image outputapparatus while enabling a user to carry out a desired color correction.

According to the present invention, the foregoing object is obtained byproviding a transfer method for transferring data between an image inputapparatus and an image output apparatus in direct communication witheach other, the image input apparatus configured to store at least oneimage file of an input image and at least one conversion file includingconversion information used for carrying out color conversion in apreset color space common to the image input apparatus and the imageoutput apparatus, the transfer method comprising: a first transfer stepof transferring from the image input apparatus to the image outputapparatus the conversion file for color conversion; and a secondtransfer step of transferring the image file from the image inputapparatus to the image output apparatus, wherein the image outputapparatus carries out color conversion of and outputs the image of theimage file transferred in the second transfer step using the conversioninformation included in the conversion file transferred in the firsttransfer step.

According to the present invention, the foregoing object is alsoobtained by providing an image input apparatus comprising: acommunication unit for communicating directly with an external imageoutput apparatus; a storage unit configured to store at least one imagefile of an input image and at least one conversion file that includesconversion information for carrying out color conversion in a presetcolor space common to the image input apparatus and the image outputapparatus; a determination unit configured to determine whether or notthe image output apparatus in communication with the image inputapparatus through the communication unit has a color conversion functionconfigured to implement color conversion of an image of an image fileusing conversion information included in a conversion file; and acontrol unit configured to transfer through the communication unit theconversion file and the image file to the image output unit if it isdetermined by the determination unit that the image output apparatusdoes have the color conversion function.

Furthermore, the foregoing object is also obtained by providing an imageoutput apparatus comprising: a communication unit for communicatingdirectly with an external image input apparatus; a control unitconfigured to receive from the image input apparatus through thecommunication unit at least one image file and at least one conversionfile that includes conversion information for carrying out colorconversion in a preset color space; a color conversion unit configuredto carry out color conversion of an image of the received image fileusing the conversion information included in the conversion file; and anoutput unit configured to output an image color-converted by the colorconversion unit.

Further features of the present invention will become apparent from thefollowing description of exemplary embodiments with reference to theattached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an external view of a photo-direct (PD) printer according toan embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows the PD printer and a digital camera of an embodiment of thepresent invention to connect directly to each other according to theembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control systemof the PD printer according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the digitalcamera according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 shows layer structures pertaining to communication between thedigital camera and the PD printer according to the embodiment of an thepresent invention;

FIG. 6 shows a connection sequence using common PTP protocol whenconnecting the digital camera and the PD printer according to theembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 shows an overall processing procedure of the digital camera andthe PD printer according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 shows an example of a print job file according to the firstembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 shows an image processing order according to the first embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 10 shows an overall processing procedure of the digital camera andthe PD printer according to a second embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 11 shows an example of a print job file according to the secondembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 shows an example of output results according to the secondembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 shows an overall processing procedure of the digital camera andthe PD printer according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 shows an example of a print job file according to the thirdembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 shows an overall processing procedure of the digital camera andthe PD printer according to a fourth embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 16 shows an example of a print job file according to the fourthembodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 17 shows another example of a print job file according to thefourth embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described indetail in accordance with the accompanying drawings. The dimensions,shapes and relative positions of the constituent parts shown in theembodiments should be changed as convenient depending on variousconditions and on the structure of the apparatus adapted to theinvention, and the invention is not limited to the embodiments describedherein.

(Description of the Basic Configuration)

First, a description is given of the basic components according to anembodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that,hereinafter, in an environment in which a printer can communicatedirectly with a digital still camera (DSC), a scheme that prints animage stored on a storage medium in the DSC is referred to as aphoto-direct printing scheme.

FIG. 1 shows an external view of a photo-direct printer (referred to asa PD printer) 1000 of the present embodiment and FIG. 2 shows a DSC 3012directly connected to the PD printer 1000.

In FIG. 1, the PD printer 1000 has an ordinary printing function thatreceives data from a host computer (PC) and prints the received data,and a function (DPOF function) that directly reads image data stored ona storage medium such as a memory card and prints the read image data.Further, as described below the PD printer 1000 is also provided with afunction that receives image data from the DSC 3012 by communicatingdirectly with the digital camera and prints the received image data.

The body that forms the housing of the PD printer 1000 has externalmembers consisting of a lower case 1001, an upper case 1002, an accesscover 1003 and a discharge tray 1004. The lower case 1001 formsapproximately the lower half of the PD printer 1000 and the upper case1002 forms approximately the upper half of the PD printer 1000,respectively. The combination of these two cases forms a hollowstructure having an accommodating space for accommodating mechanisms aswill be described later, in the top and front portions of which areformed respective openings.

Further, the discharge tray 1004 is retained along one edge by the lowercase 1001 so as to be rotatable thereabout, such that the opening formedin the front of the lower case 1001 can be opened and closed by thatrotation. As a result, by rotating the discharge tray 1004 forward so asto open the opening when executing printing, recording sheets such aspaper or the like can be discharged therefrom, and moreover, thedischarged recording sheets can be sequentially stacked. In addition,two auxiliary trays 1004 a and 1004 b are contained in the dischargetray 1004. By pulling the trays outward as necessary, the paper supportsurface area can be enlarged or reduced in three stages to fit the sizeof the recording sheet.

The access cover 1003 is retained along one edge by the upper case 1002so as to be rotatable thereabout, such that the opening formed in thetop can be opened and closed. Opening the access cover 1003 enables arecording head cartridge, not shown, or an ink tank, not shown,contained in the body to be replaced. It should be noted that, althoughnot shown in particular here, the opening and closing of the accesscover 1003 causes a projection formed on a rear surface thereof torotate a cover operating lever. By detecting the rotation position ofthe lever with a micro switch or the like, the state of the access covercan be detected.

In addition, a power key 1005 is provided on the top of the upper case1002 so as to be pressed. Moreover, an operation panel 1010 equippedwith a variety of key switches and the like is provided on the uppercase 1002. Reference numeral 1007 indicates an automatic feeding unit,which automatically feeds the recording sheets into the apparatus body.Reference numeral 1008 indicates a paper space selection lever, which isa lever that adjusts an interval between a printhead and the recordingsheet. Reference numeral 1009 indicates a card slot, into which anadapter capable of accommodating a removable memory card is inserted. Assuch a memory card, there is, inter alia, a compact flash® memory, asmart media®, a memory stick ® and the like. After sensing an image withthe DSC the memory card is removed and set in the card slot 1009,enabling the sensed image to be read in and printed out.

Reference numeral 1012 indicates a connector for connecting a digitalcamera described later. Ordinarily, as means for connecting a digitalcamera to a personal computer (PC), a USB (Universal Serial Bus) isoften used. Therefore, in the present embodiment as well, the connector1012 is a USB interface. However, other communication means may ofcourse be used. Moreover, although in order to simplify the task ofconnection, the connection to the digital camera is made to beaccomplished from the front in the drawing, the present invention is notlimited thereto.

At the same time, the PD printer 1000 is also provided with an interfacefor implementing printing from a personal computer (PC). Ordinarily,after once connected to the PC, the PD printer 1000 usually remainsconnected thereto, and therefore the interface terminal is provide onthe rear surface. The PC connection interface may, for example, be aCentronics Corporation-specification parallel interface, a USBinterface, or the like, provided that it at least supports abidirectional communication function.

FIG. 2 shows connecting the DSC 3012 and the PD printer 1000 to eachother according to the present embodiment.

In FIG. 2, a cable 5000 (a USB cable), is provided with a connector 5001for connecting to connector 1012 of the PD printer 1000 and a connector5002 for connecting to a connector 5003 of the DSC 3012. It should benoted that, when connecting the DSC 3012 to the PC, not shown, byconnecting the aforementioned connector 5001 to the USB connector on thePC, a sensed image can be transferred to the PC.

In addition, the DSC 3012 is constructed so as to be able to outputimage data saved in its internal memory via the connector 5003. Itshould be noted that a variety of configurations can be adopted as theconfiguration of the DSC 3012, such as providing internally a memory asmemory means, or providing a slot for attaching a detachable memory.Thus, as described above, by connecting the PD printer 1000 and the DSC3012 through the cable 5000 shown in FIG. 2, image data from the DSC3012 can be printed directly by the PD 1000.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the control system of the PD printer 1000.In FIG. 3, reference numeral 1 indicates a CPU that exercises overallcontrol of the PD printer 1000, 2 indicates a ROM storing operatingprocess procedures (programs) for CPU 1 and fonts, and 3 indicates a RAMused as a work area of the CPU 1. Reference numeral 4 indicates anoperation panel (corresponding to 1010 in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2).

Reference numeral 5 indicates an interface for effecting a connection toa PC, and 7 indicates an interface (USB host side) for effecting aconnection to the digital still camera. Reference numeral 8 indicates astorage device, which is capable of storing images sent from the imageinput device. Reference numeral 9 indicates a card interface (I/F)capable of connecting an adapter (PCMCIA) 10 mounting a memory card. Thecard I/F 9 enables the PD printer 1000 to implement the DPOF function,that is, enables the PD printer 1000 to read a descriptive file relatingto a print instruction sensed with a digital camera and stored inside amemory card and to print out accordingly. Reference numeral 6 indicatesa printer engine, which, in the present embodiment, is a printer enginethat expels ink liquid using thermal energy, although the recordingmethod is not limited thereto. Reference numeral 11 indicates aninterface for connecting an expansion device, which, although describedin detail later, enables a display unit or the like for the purpose ofdisplaying images as options. Reference numeral 12 indicates anonvolatile memory. Information stored in this area can be retained evenafter the power supply is cut off. The difference between thenonvolatile memory 12 and a storage device is access speed and the costof the device itself. In general, a storage device such as a hard diskis less expensive than a nonvolatile memory. However, because accessspeed is slow, in the present embodiment large-size files like imagefiles are stored in the storage-device and reference tables andparameter types used in color processing are stored in the nonvolatilememory area.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the DSC (digital still camera) 3012. InFIG. 4, reference numeral 31 indicates a CPU that exercises overallcontrol of the DSC and 32 indicates a ROM storing operating procedures(programs) for the CPU 31. Reference numeral 33 indicates a RAM used asa work area of the CPU 31 and 34 indicates a group of switches forcarrying out various operations. Reference numeral 35 indicates a liquidcrystal display (LCD), used to check a sensed image, to display a menuwhen carrying out various settings, and so forth. Reference numeral 36indicates an optical unit, composed chiefly of lenses and their drivesystems. Reference numeral 37 indicates an image sensing elementtypified by CCD and CMOS sensors and 38 indicates a driver that controlsthe optical unit 36 under the control of the CPU 31. Reference numeral39 indicates a connector for connecting a memory card 40 (such as acompact flash® memory card, a smart media®, and so forth). Referencenumeral 41 indicates a USB interface (USB slave side) for connecting toa PC or to the PD printer 1000 of the present embodiment.

It should be noted that, in the PD printer 1000 and the DSC 3012 havingthe configurations described above, for conventional DPOF printing theusual operations are carried out. In other words, the memory card isremoved from inside the DSC 3012 and set in the slot 1009 in the PDprinter 1000, and printing is carried out in accordance with the printinstruction file stored in the memory card.

Next, a description is given of a situation in which the DSC 3012 andthe PD printer 1000 are connected by the cable 5000 and able tocommunicate with each other directly.

FIG. 5 shows connection layers when effecting such direct connection. InFIG. 5, the top side shows layers in the DSC (digital still camera) andthe bottom side shows layers of the PD printer.

It should be noted that, in the example shown in FIG. 5, although thecommunication means SCSI and wireless TCP/IP are also shown, here thedescription proceeds with respect to typically a USB interfaceconnection.

In the layer structure shown in FIG. 5, in the case of communication byUSB well-known Picture Transfer Protocol (PTP) is used. In the presentembodiment, the DSC 3012 is connected to the PD printer utilizing a USBinterface provided for connection to a PC, and therefore the DSC 3012functions as the USB slave and the PD printer 1000 functions as the USBhost. In other words, when connected, control as a PD printing systemrests with the PD printer 1000 side.

FIG. 6 shows the general communication procedure using PTP. Tofacilitate comprehension, in the case of the present embodiment the USBhost is the PD printer 1000 and the DSC 3012 is the USB slave, as isalso shown in FIG. 6.

First, a PTP command GetDeviceInfo is transmitted from the PD printer1000 to the DSC 3012. In this procedure, because the PD printer 1000does not know what the connected device is, the PD printer 1000 queriesthe connected device (procedure 100). In response, the DSC 3012transmits (reports) to the PD printer 1000 information relating to theDSC 3012 by DeviceInfo Dataset (procedure 101).

Next, in procedure 102, by PTP command OpenSession the DSC 3012 isallocated as a resource, and handles are assigned to data objects asnecessary, procedures for carrying out special initialization arestarted, and so forth.

Next, a handle is requested of the DSC 3012 (procedure 103) because thePD printer 1000, in order to identify the unknown objects that the DSC3012 has (sensed image, script, and so forth), requests unique numbersassigned to the objects that the DSC 3012 has. To this request, a handlelist stored in the DSC 3012 is returned (procedure 104).

As a result of the foregoing, the PD printer 1000 determines how manyobjects (DPOF print instruction files (hereinafter “DPOF files”), sensedimage files, image processing parameter files) the DSC 3012 is holding.

Thereafter, when the PD printer 1000 queries what an i^(th) object is,attribute information relating to the i^(th) object (whether the objectis an image, or text such as script, etc.) is requested withGetObjectinfo(i), and the results are received as Objectinfo i Dataset(procedure 105).

If the attribute is image data, then using a handle that indicates thatimage data the PD printer 1000 issues a GetObject, as a result of whichthe image data can be obtained by receiving Object i Data (procedure1061).

In addition, files other than image files that the DSC 3012 holds canalso be obtained with the same procedure.

First Embodiment

Next, a description is given of a first embodiment of the presentinvention using the DSC 3012 and the PD printer 1000 having theconfigurations described above.

Here, a description is given of a method that uses a color profile inwhich are stored settings relating to color processing carried out bythe PD printer 1000 that is saved as a separate file from the images onthe DSC 3012. Doing so eases the burden of storing the color profile onthe DSC 3012 and enables the same color conversion to be requested ofthe PD printer 1000 by multiple digital still cameras.

A description is given first of the overall processing flow using FIG.7.

First, after the user physically establishes a connection between theDSC 3012 and the PD printer 1000, the DSC 3012 and the PD printer 1000establish a logical connection (procedure 700). At this point, betweenthe DSC 3012 and the PD printer 1000, it is confirmed whether or not aprofile for color conversion and an image file described in the firstembodiment can be handled independently. This confirmation step isachieved in two stages.

Step 1) Whether or not color conversion processing can be carried outbased on a profile described later at the PD printer 1000.

Step 2) If the color conversion processing can be carried out, whether acolor conversion instruction profile is to be transmitted and receivedas a separate file or in a form in which it is imbedded in the imagefile.

If both conditions confirmed in steps 1 and 2 described above aresatisfied, the processing of the first embodiment can be carried out. Ifboth conditions are not satisfied, conventional PD printing is carriedout. The PD printer 1000 of the first embodiment can carry out colorconversion processing based on a profile (YES at step 1), and handlesthe profile as a separate file from the image file and does not imbed itin the image file (NO at step 2).

Next, the user sets the image file to be printed, the color profile,output medium size, output medium type, whether or not to print the dateand so forth, and confirms printing. In accordance with these useroperations, the DSC 3012 creates a job file and transmits it to the PDprinter 1000 (procedure 701). It should be noted that, in the PDprinting system of the first embodiment, as described above the PDprinter 1000 exerts active control, and therefore file reception of thejob file and the like means that the PD printer 1000 actively acquiresthe files from the DSC 3012. However, at this point the descriptionconcentrates solely on the movement of the files.

The PD printer 1000 receives the job file (procedure 702) and interpretsit (procedure 703). Details of the job file are described later.

Next, the PD printer 1000 receives from the DSC 3012 three filesdescribed in the job file: A source profile (procedures 704, 705), acolor profile (procedures 706, 707), and an image file (procedures 708,709). The PD printer 1000 carries out image processing described belowin accordance with the above-described job file, source profile, colorprofile, and image file, and carries out a printing operation (procedure710).

After the printing operation ends, the PD printer 1000 informs the DSC3012 of the end of printing (procedure 711) and ends the series ofprinting operations.

Using FIG. 8, a description is now given of the content of the print jobfile that is transmitted from the DSC 3012 to the PD printer 1000.

The job file is a user print instruction file created using a userinterface of the DSC 3012. The content of the job file consistsgenerally of four parts. The first is capability information such as thetype and size of the output medium. The second is a file that describesinformation for converting color information dependent on the digitalcamera device of the image sensed with the digital camera into ageneral-purpose color space (hereinafter referred to as a “sourceprofile”). The third is a file that describes information for colorconversion (hereinafter referred to as a “color profile”). The fourth isthe image file. These four files are saved as separate files in the DSC3012, and therefore information indicating handles is written in the jobfile.

In the color profile are written instructions relating to colorconversion. In the first embodiment, a color profile is provided that isdifferent from that which is in general referred to as a source profile.

In the source profile of the ICC profile is a description of a methodfor converting a sensed image into a general-purpose, standard colorspace. In other words, the image sensed with the DSC 3012, if it is acolor image, is expressed as an aggregate of pixels in which each pixelhas multiple tone signals of RGB. However, the RGB signals are expressedin the color space of the DSC 3012, which is different from the colorspace that the PD printer 1000 can interpret. As a result, a differencearises between the colors the DSC 3012 intends and the colors the PDprinter 1000 reproduces. Accordingly, in the color profile is describedconversion from the color space sensed with the DSC 3012 to a standardcolor space that both the DSC 3012 and the PD printer 1000 can use incommon.

In addition, the color profile, which is provided separately from thesource profile, is also designed to reflect color conversion thatreflects user preferences as well as color conversion for the purpose ofcorrecting a sensed image, and defines the conversion of color from RGBspace to RGB space. The purpose of the color profile is to reflect userpreferences and to correct errors during image sensing. Here, “userpreferences” includes, for example, color preference as to whether toprint skin color in a lighter tone or conversely in a darker tone, orwhether to print an image as if it is sensed under a white light sourceor under a light source like an incandescent light source. Moreover, “tocorrect errors during image sensing” means correcting when, because ofthe camera settings and image sensing environment, the sensed image isnot what was intended. For example, if a portion intended to be taken iswhited-out due to improper aperture or ISO adjustment, the white-out ofthe target portion can be corrected by correcting the tone.

The color profile is an independent file, and therefore ageneral-purpose profile typified by the ICC profile described above canbe used as well, which allows a profile that is common to another DSC tobe used, and also allows a unique color profile to be created using a PCor the like and stored in the DSC. Further, since the color profile isalso an independent file in the DSC 3012 internal file structure, itneed not be imbedded in every sensed image and therefore the DSC 3012internal memory is not over-consumed.

The PD printer 1000, having received the job file, acquires theinformation for color conversion necessary for printing and the imagefile information from the DSC 3012.

A description is now given of a method for managing the source profileand the color profile inside the DSC 3012. When these two types ofprofiles are imbedded in the sensed image, the source profiles and colorprofiles to be managed increase as the number of images sensedincreases. However, the purpose of the source profile is to convert thedevice-dependent color information of the DSC 3012 into information in astandard color space capable of being utilized by multiple devices. As aresult, since the color space of the DSC 3012 does not change with thesensed images, there is no need to manage the source profile for eachsensed image. Consequently, it is sufficient to manage the sourceprofile at each circumstance under which the color space of the DSC 3012does change.

The circumstances under which the color space of the DSC 3012 changesinclude the model of DSC, the individual unit, the image sensing mode,and the like. Accordingly, it is sufficient to store and manage thesource profile for each model, or with each individual unit or imagesensing mode. Similarly, user preference color settings should bedetermined not according to the sensed image but according to at leastthe same image sensing environment and image sensing subject.Consequently, there is no need to manage the color profile for everysensed image. From the foregoing, it is clear that, by managing thenumber of images sensed, the source profile, and the color profileindependently of the sensed images, the source profiles and colorprofiles to be managed do not increase with the number of images sensed.Consequently, the memory capacity for holding the images and the sourceprofiles and color profiles also need not be increased.

Further, with regard to user preferences, the ability to reflect suchpreferences in even a single sensed image, for example, if brighter ispreferred, or if darker is preferred, is desired. Consequently, theprofiles may be managed so a brighter color profile or a darker colorprofile is produced, independent of the sensed image.

FIG. 9 illustrates image processing in the PD printer 1000 used in thepresent invention.

The images that the PD printer 1000 receives are usually JPEG images. Inthis case, the pixel data that comprises the image is described in acolor space that uses the expressions Y, Cb, Cr using luminance andcolor difference defined as recommended in ITU-R BT.601. As a result,although not shown a conversion to a color space expressed in terms ofRGB is carried out. The color space-converted image is the image file Ia(901) shown in the drawing. If the PD printer 1000 receives an imageother than a JPEG image, then the image may be in a space other than theYCbCr space. In this case, although not shown, a color space conversionto RGB space from the color space described in that file is carried outand an RGB image is obtained.

Next, the PD printer 1000 carries out a color conversion Ta (910). Thiscolor conversion is carried out based on the source profile receivedfrom the DSC 3012. In this color conversion, the conversion of colorspace is defined as a three-dimensional look-up table and is describedin the source profile. The PD printer 1000 converts pixel valuesexpressed in RGB space in the same RGB space according to the look-uptable described in the source profile and obtains a converted image Ib(902). It should be noted that even after conversion it is still thesame RGB expression, and therefore in FIG. 9 apostrophes are added andthe result is written as “R′G′B′ image”. This conversion converts theimage expressed in the color space dependent on the DSC 3012 into ageneral-purpose RGB space.

Next, the PD printer 1000 carries out a color conversion Tb (911). Thiscolor conversion is carried out based on the color profile received fromthe DSC 3012. In this color conversion also, the conversion of colorspace is defined as a three-dimensional look-up table and is describedin the color profile. The PD printer 1000 converts pixel valuesexpressed in RGB space in the same RGB space according to the look-uptable and obtains a converted image Ic (902). In this process as well,even after conversion it is still the same RGB expression, and thereforein FIG. 9 apostrophes are added and the result is written as “R″G″B″image”.

Finally, the PD printer 1000 carries out a color conversion Tc (912).This color conversion is a process that converts the image file Icdescribed in RGB space into a CMYK color space, CMYK being the colors ofthe ink of the PD printer 1000, and obtains an image Id. This colorconversion, too, like the color conversions Ta and Tb described above,is carried out with reference to the look-up table. The look-up tableused in this conversion, because it is a conversion that is dependent onthe PD printer 1000, is not one received from the DSC 3012 but one thatthe PD printer 1000 itself stores.

Once the PD printer 1000 processes described above are finished,although not shown, the image Id is quantized and converted into dotdischarge data, after which it is transmitted to the printhead in the PDprinter 1000 and printed, by which an output image can be obtained.

It should be noted that although in the above-described embodiment RGBis described as the color space that is common to both image filesbetween color conversions (image file Ib, image file Ic), this colorspace is not limited to RGB and may instead be, inter alia, XYZ, L*a*b.

Moreover, when using a general-purpose color profile as described above,the color conversions Ta, Tb conform to the color profile'sspecifications, and the color space after conversion also conforms tothose specifications.

In this first embodiment, the source profile is also managed as aseparate file from the image file. However, as a variation, the sourceprofile may be managed in accordance with the image file. In such aconfiguration, by imbedding the source profile in the image file thesource profile can be made subordinate to the image file. In this case,of the procedures shown in FIG. 7 described above, procedures 704, 705may be omitted.

In addition, although in the first embodiment described above the colorconversion by source profile is described as being carried out by the PDprinter 1000, alternatively, such color conversion may be carried out bythe DSC 3012. Color conversion by source profile is for the purpose ofabsorbing the DSC 3012 device dependency, and therefore this process maybe carried out by either the DSC 3012 or the PD printer 1000 withoutinterfering with the effect of the present invention.

Moreover, a variation in which conversion of the source profile isdeliberately carried out at the DSC 3012 may be achieved in thefollowing manner: Specifically, carry out image conversion correspondingto conversion by source profile in advance on the image file that theDSC 3012 is to transmit, and further, do not describe the source profilein the job file shown in FIG. 8. In other words, by carrying out in theDSC 3012 conversion from the DSC 3012 device-dependent color space tothe standard color space in advance, the work of carrying out DSC 3012device-dependent color conversion on the PD printer 1000 side can beomitted. Further, in order to show that the image to be transmitted isnot dependent on the device characteristics of the DSC 3012, the sourceprofile description shown in FIG. 8 is omitted.

In addition, deliberately causing color conversion based on the sourceprofile to be carried out in the DSC 3012 on the printer side can beachieved in the following manner: Specifically, in step 1 of the twosteps for confirmation in procedure 700, write that color conversionprocessing based on the source profile is not to be carried out by thePD printer 1000. Executing color conversion by source profile at the DSC3012 in this manner has the advantage that the amount of data to betransmitted and received can be reduced by an amount equivalent to thesource profile. Further, where color conversion processing can becarried out faster at the DSC 3012 than at the PD printer 1000, areduction in processing time can be expected as well.

Further, in the first embodiment described above color conversion isdescribed as being implemented in two stages, that is, color conversionfrom the DSC 3012 color space to a general-purpose color space inaccordance with the source profile and color conversion that reflectsuser preferences within the general-purpose color space in accordancewith the color profile. Alternatively, these two conversion processesmay be combined in a single conversion that reflects user preferences.In that case, in the DSC 3012 the conversions of the source profile andthe color profile are combined in a single conversion and stored as acolor profile, which enables procedure 704 and procedure 705 of theprocedures shown in FIG. 7 to be omitted, and further, enables the colorconversion 910 of FIG. 9 to be omitted as well.

Moreover, in the first embodiment described above, a job file and thesource profile, the color profile, and the image file are describedindependently with different tags, with the tags of the latter fourbeing in the form of linkage to the job file. Alternatively, the imagefile may be linked to the job file, and the source profile and the colorprofile linked and described within the image file. As the procedure inthis case, the PD printer 1000 having received the job file analyzes itscontent and receives the image file. Next, the PD printer 1000 analyzesthe image file and from its content obtains information relating to thesource profile and the color profile, and on the basis of thatinformation receives the source profile and the color profile from theDSC 3012. In this configuration as well, because the image file, thesource profile, and the color profile are each managed independently inthe DSC 3012 it is not necessary to prepare a source profile and a colorprofile for every image file, which makes possible the effect of thepresent invention, namely, easing the burden of storing the colorprofile on the digital camera side.

Further, the source profile may be imbedded in the image file. In thatcase, in step 2 of the two steps for confirmation in procedure 700,transmission and reception in a format in which the source profile isimbedded in the image is determined between the DSC 3012 and the PDprinter 1000. Further, the description relating to the source profile inthe job file shown in FIG. 8 is omitted. Moreover, the same thing can beaccomplished by imbedding in the description relating to the sourceprofile in the job file shown in FIG. 8 a command that means “use theprofile imbedded in the image file”. In this case, although the burdenassociated with transmission and reception of the source profileincreases, because the process for the color profile is the same as thatin the first embodiment described above the same effect can be expected.

The first embodiment described above can implement user preferences andenable sensed images to be corrected, and at the same time eases theburden of storing a color profile for every image file on the digitalcamera side. Moreover, because the amount of data transmitted betweenthe digital camera and the PD printer can be reduced, transmission timecan be shortened.

In addition, conversion according to the source profile as describedabove produces description in a general-purpose color space, andtherefore the image file Ib shown in FIG. 9 becomes an image filedescribed in the general-purpose color space. As a result, with imagefiles sensed with different types of DSC as well, device-type-dependencydisappears once these files are converted into the image file Ib.Consequently, color conversion for the purpose of reflecting userpreferences indicated by the color conversion Tb shown in FIG. 9 can bedefined as a conversion that is independent of the type of DSC.Therefore, since a color profile for common color conversion can be usedfor image files Ib sensed with different DSC, the PD printer can berequested to carry out the same color conversion for all image files Iano matter from which DSC they are acquired. However, when combining thesource profile and the color profile in a single conversion as describedabove, because the source profile and the color profile are described inthe same profile this effect cannot be expected.

Second Embodiment

Next, a description is given of a second embodiment of the presentinvention. Here, by requesting of the PD printer 1000 print processingin a plurality of color profiles, an environment is provided in whichthe user is able to select which color profile best matches his or herown preferences. Further, a description is given of achieving a drasticreduction in communication overhead between the DSC 3012 and the PDprinter 1000 in the series of tasks using a simple configuration.

First, a description is given of the overall processing flow using FIG.10.

As with the first embodiment, after the user physically establishes aconnection between the DSC 3012 and the PD printer 1000, the DSC 3012and the PD printer 1000 establish a logical connection (procedure 2700).

Next, the user sets the image file to be printed, the color profile,output medium size, output medium type, whether or not to print the dateand so forth, and confirms printing. At this point, in the secondembodiment, the user selects a plurality of color profiles. Further, inorder to obtain multiple image output, the user changes the layout. Whenoutputting a single image on a single sheet of recording media a 1UPlayout is described, and therefore the layout is the same as that in thefirst embodiment. However, when outputting a plurality of images on asingle sheet of recording media a multiple-UP layout is specified. Inaccordance with these user operations the DSC 3012 creates a job fileand transmits it to the PD printer 1000 (procedure 2701).

The PD printer 1000 receives the job file (procedure 2702) and analyzesit (procedure 2703). Details of the job file are described later.

Next, the PD printer 1000 receives from the DSC 3012 the source profiledescribed in the job file (procedures 2704, 2705) and the color profilesas much as described in the job file. In the second embodiment, fourtypes of color profiles are received (procedures 2706, 2707, 2712-2717).

After transmission and reception of the color profiles is finished, theimage file is received from the DSC 3012 (procedure 2709). The PDprinter 1000 creates a layout according to the job file described above,and carries out image processing described below in accordance with thesource profile, color profiles, and image file, and carries out aprinting operation (procedure 2710).

After the printing operation ends, the PD printer 1000 informs the DSC3012 of the end of printing (procedure 2711) and ends the series ofprinting operations.

Using FIG. 11, a description is now given of the content of the printjob file that is transmitted from the DSC 3012 to the PD printer 1000.

The difference between the first embodiment and the second embodiment isthe specification of the layout of the part that describes thecapability and the profile part. The capability difference is that a 4UPlayout that arranges four images on a single sheet of recording mediafor carrying out image printing of the color profile portion isspecified. The profile difference is that multiple color profiles aretransmitted and received.

Other than the part for performing the layout, the image processing isthe same as that of the first embodiment, and therefore a descriptionthereof is omitted.

An example of the output result as a result of the layout is shown inFIG. 12. As shown in this drawing, image processing is carried outaccording to the settings of the color profiles of four types, and fourimages are laid out on a single sheet of output media and output. In theexample shown in FIG. 12, an output image (12-1) that is the result ofcolor conversion processing according to a color profile (00000002) ofan image (00000001) is printed in the upper left of the output media. Inaddition, an output image (12-2) that is the result of color conversionprocessing according to a color profile (00000003) of the image(00000001) is printed in the upper right of the output media, an outputimage (12-3) that is the result of color conversion processing accordingto a color profile (00000004) of the image (00000001) is printed in thelower left of the output media, and an output image (12-4) that is theresult of color conversion processing according to a color profile(00000005) of the image (00000001) is printed in the lower right of theoutput media.

It should be noted that, in the second embodiment, a description isgiven of processing a single image based on multiple color profiles bytransmitting from the DSC 3012 a plurality of color profiles for oneimage, and printing the processed images. In the second embodiment,further, a plurality of images and a plurality of color profiles may betransmitted, and images printed in numbers equal to the number ofcombinations of images and profiles. As an example, consider a case oftransmitting m image files of average file size P and n color profilesof average file size Q. If the color profiles are imbedded in the imagefiles, then the amount of data transferred is:

P×(m×n)+Q×(m×n)

By contrast, if the image files and the color profiles are transmittedindependently as in this second embodiment, the following amount of datais sufficient:

(p×m)+(Q×n)

Thus, the data transfer amount can be sharply reduced. Therefore, thedata transfer time from the DSC 3012 to the PD printer 1000 can also bereduced.

Thus, as described above, the second embodiment, in addition toobtaining the same effect as the first embodiment, also enables the userto compare the output results of processing the same image with aplurality of different color profiles, thus enabling the user todetermine with ease the color profile of the user's own preference.

Third Embodiment

Next, a description is given of a third embodiment of the presentinvention. In the third embodiment, an environment is provided in which,by requesting that the PD printer 1000 print multiple images for asingle color profile, a color profile that is once received is saved andprinting of a plurality of images is carried out. Further, a descriptionis given of reducing communication overhead between the DSC 3012 and thePD printer 1000 as much as possible with a simple configuration, becausethe color profile may be sent once when printing the plurality ofimages.

First, a description is given of the job file using FIG. 14.

The difference between the first embodiment and the third embodiment isthat multiple image files are specified. In the job file, the colorconversion specified by a single color profile is applied to a pluralityof image files so as to obtain multiple image output. As a result, fourimage files described in the job file are color-converted and outputaccording to the same color profile.

Next, a description is given of the overall processing flow withreference to FIG. 13. It should be noted that, in FIG. 13, proceduresthat are the same as those shown in FIG. 7 are assigned the samereference numerals and descriptions thereof omitted. However, in thethird embodiment, the user selects a plurality of image files whensetting the image file to be printed, the color profile, output mediumsize, output medium type, whether or not to print the date and so forth,and confirming printing.

Up to the acquisition of a single sheet of image output (from procedure700 to procedure 711) the process is the same as that of the firstembodiment. Once the PD printer 1000 informs the DSC 3012 of the end ofprinting in procedure 711, the DSC 3012 receives notification of the endof printing of a first-page image and transmits to the PD printer 1000 asecond-page image file (procedures 3712, 3713). The PD printer 1000carries out color conversion of the second-page image file using thesame color profile as that used for processing the first-page image fileand outputs the second-page image (procedure 3714). Here, the requestfor the second-page image file from the PD printer 1000 is generatedupon a command notifying a completion of reception of the first-pageimage file, and therefore, besides the DSC 3012 first-page image outputcompletion, another image file reception request command may be definedand used. After printing ends the PD printer 1000 informs the DSC 3012of the end of printing (procedure 3715). As with the second page, theDSC 3012 then transmits an image file for carrying out printing of athird page (procedures 3716, 3717). The PD printer 1000 then carries outprinting of the received image data (procedure 3718). After printing ofthe third page is finished the PD printer 1000 informs the DSC 3012 ofthe end of printing (3719), and the DSC 3012, recognizing the completionof all printing operations, ends the series of operations.

As an example, consider a case in which m image files of average filesize P and a color profile of file size Q are transmitted. If the colorprofile is imbedded in the image file, then the amount of data to betransmitted is:

(P+Q)×m

By contrast, if the image files and the color profile are transmittedindependently as in this third embodiment, the following amount of datais sufficient:

(P×m)+Q

Thus, the data transfer amount can be sharply reduced. Therefore, thedata transfer time from the DSC 3012 to the PD printer 1000 can also bereduced.

Fourth Embodiment

Next, a description is given of a fourth embodiment of the presentinvention. In the fourth embodiment, the color profile that the PDprinter 1000 receives from the DSC 3012 is stored in an area in which itcan continue to be saved even after the connection to the DSC 3012 issevered, and the PD printer 1000 carries out color conversion using thesaved color profile until a new color profile is transmitted from theDSC 3012. Such control enables the PD printer 1000 to carry out the samecolor conversion regardless of the type of DSC 3012.

First, a description is given of the job file using FIG. 16.

In the job file shown in FIG. 16 what is different from the job fileshown in FIG. 8 of the first embodiment is a portion that clearlydescribes saving the source profile and the color profile transmittedfrom the DSC 3012. This portion is written in the <save_profile> in FIG.16, and means “save” if its value is “0001” and “do not save” if itsvalue is “0000”. Although there is no command provided for clearlyindicating how long the profile in question is to be saved, the PDprinter 1000 interprets the transmission of a new profile as a commandto discard the source profile and/or color profile it had been saving upto that point. Then, the PD printer 1000 discards the saved profile(s)and saves the new profile(s). Here, “do not save” means that thedescription pertaining to that profile is valid for a given job only andis saved until the completion of that job, but does not affect any otherjob. Similarly, “save” means to save for possible application to otherjobs besides the job including this description.

In addition, when the PD printer 1000 saves the source profile it alsostores the type of DSC 3012 connected. This is because the sourceprofile has device-type dependency and individual unit-dependency, andthe type of DSC 3012 is used as one criterion for determining whether ornot the saved profile can be applied. Further, information on the typeof device to be saved likely consists of two types of information:Information exchanged between the DSC 3012 and the PD printer 1000 whenthey are connected to each other and information relating to the DSC,used for sensing an image, that is imbedded in the image file. In thefourth embodiment, the PD printer 1000 does save the device typeinformation provided by the DSC 3012, although it may of course use thedevice type information which is stored in the image file. With regardto the device type information that is stored in the image file, it isusually described in the EXIF format described above.

Next, a description is given of the overall processing flow withreference to FIG. 15. It should be noted that, in FIG. 15, proceduresthat are the same as those shown in FIG. 7 are assigned the samereference numerals and descriptions thereof omitted. Up to thetransmission and reception of the job file (procedures 701-703) theprocess is the same as the procedures described in the first embodiment,and therefore descriptions thereof are omitted.

The PD printer 1000, after it interprets the job file, receives thesource profile from the DSC 3012 (procedures 704, 705). In the job fileexample shown in FIG. 16, the tag <save_profile> relating to the sourceprofile in the job file is “0001”. In this case, the received sourceprofile is saved in the nonvolatile memory 12 so that it can be retainedeven after the connection between the PD printer 1000 and the DSC 3012is severed (procedure 4712). At this time, as described above, thedevice type information of the DSC 3012 is also saved. It should benoted that although in this fourth embodiment the source profile issaved in the nonvolatile memory 12 so that it can be retained even afterthe power supply is cut, alternatively the source profile may be savedin the RAM 3 so that it can be retained even after the connection issevered.

Next, the PD printer 1000 receives the color profile (procedure 707). Inthe example shown in FIG. 16, the tag <save_profile> that relates to thecolor profile in the job file is “0001”. In this case, the PD printer1000 saves the received color profile in the nonvolatile memory 12 sothat the color profile can be retained even after the connection betweenthe DSC 3012 and the PD printer 1000 is severed (procedure 4713).

Finally, as in the first embodiment the PD printer 1000 receives theimage file (procedure 709), carries out a printing operation (procedure710), and, after printing of the first page ends, informs the DSC 3012of the end of printing (procedure 711).

Thereafter, the operator severs the connection between the DSC 3012 andthe PD printer 1000 (procedure 4714).

Next, after once again establishing a connection between the DSC,different from the DSC used previously, and the PD printer 1000(procedure 4715), the DSC sends and the PD printer 1000 receives theprint job shown in FIG. 17 (procedures 4716, 4717). In this case,because the DSC is different from the previous one, this print job is ajob file in which the device-dependent source profile is described butthe color profile that reflects user preferences is not set.

The PD printer 1000, having received the above-described job file,interprets it (procedure 4718) and receives the source profile(procedure 4719, 4720). At this point, the PD printer 1000 determineswhether or not it should replace the source profile saved in theprevious connection procedure 4712 with the newly received sourceprofile. In this case, because the DSC device type information isdifferent, the PD printer 1000 discards the source profile savedpreviously and saves the newly received source profile (procedure 4721).At this time, the PD printer 1000 may inform the user which sourceprofile should be used through the user interface.

After saving the source profile, the PD printer 1000 receives the imagefile (4722, 4723). At this point, because the color profile is not setin the job file shown in FIG. 17, the PD printer 1000 carries out colorconversion using the previous color profile saved in the memory, andcarries out printing (procedure 4724). Of course, the user may beinformed that the color profile is not described using the PD printer1000 user interface. In that case, the user may be allowed to decidewhether to proceed with printing without using a color profile or toproceed with printing using a previously stored color profile.

After printing ends, the PD printer 1000 informs the DSC 3012 of the endof printing (procedure 4725) and ends the series of operations.

Moreover, the saved profile can be discarded using the user interface ofthe PD printer 1000.

As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, by using thesame color profile printing results that reflect the same preferences ofthe user can be obtained even when using different DSC.

It should be noted that although the PD printer 1000 carries outconversion from the DSC device-dependent RGB color space described inthe source profile to the standard color space based on the sourceprofile, this color conversion process may be carried out by the DSC3012 as well. In that case, the descriptive portion relating to the<source_profile> of the job file is omitted and the color conversion Tain FIG. 9 is executed at the DSC 3012.

While the present invention has been described with reference toexemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is notlimited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of thefollowing claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as toencompass all such modifications and equivalent structures andfunctions.

This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No.2006-218979, filed on Aug. 10, 2006, which is hereby incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

1. A transfer method for transferring data between an image inputapparatus and an image output apparatus in direct communication witheach other, said image input apparatus configured to store at least oneimage file of an input image and at least one conversion file includingconversion information used for carrying out color conversion in apreset color space common to said image input apparatus and said imageoutput apparatus, said transfer method comprising: a first transfer stepof transferring from said image input apparatus to said image outputapparatus the conversion file for color conversion; and a secondtransfer step of transferring the image file from said image inputapparatus to said image output apparatus, wherein said image outputapparatus carries out color conversion of and outputs the image of saidimage file transferred in said second transfer step using the conversioninformation included in the conversion file transferred in said firsttransfer step.
 2. The transfer method according to claim 1 furthercomprising a third transfer step of transferring one or more image filesfrom said image input apparatus to said image output apparatus, whereinsaid image output apparatus carries out color conversion of images ofthe image files transferred in said second and third transfer stepsusing the conversion information included in the conversion filetransferred in said first transfer step.
 3. The transfer methodaccording to claim 1 further comprising a fourth transfer step oftransferring one or more conversion files defining a plurality ofdifferent color conversions, respectively, wherein said image outputapparatus carries out a plurality of different color conversions on theimage of the image file transferred in said second transfer step usingthe conversion information included in the multiple conversion filestransferred in said first and fourth transfer steps.
 4. The transfermethod according to claim 1, further comprising a storage step ofstoring in a memory unit the conversion file transferred in said firsttransfer step, wherein, when the conversion file is stored in saidmemory unit, said image output apparatus carries out color conversion ofthe image of te image file transferred in said second transfer stepusing the conversion information included in the conversion file storedin said memory unit.
 5. The transfer method according to claim 1,wherein said image output apparatus has a memory unit configured tostore a conversion file, and said first transfer step is skipped whenconversion information of the conversion file stored in said memory unitis used in color conversion.
 6. The transfer method according to claim1, wherein said image input apparatus further stores a color spaceconversion file that includes conversion information for converting animage of an image file from a color space of said image input apparatusto said preset color space common to said image input apparatus and saidimage output apparatus, said transfer method further comprises a fifthtransfer step of transferring the color space conversion file from saidimage input apparatus to said image output apparatus, wherein said imageoutput apparatus, after carrying out conversion of color space of theimage of the image file transferred in said second transfer step usingthe conversion information included in the color space conversion filetransferred in said fifth conversion step, carries out color conversionusing the conversion information included in the conversion filetransferred in said first transfer step.
 7. The transfer methodaccording to claim 1, further comprising a sixth transfer step oftransferring a job file that reports transfer of the conversion file andthe image file from said image input apparatus to said image outputapparatus.
 8. An image input apparatus comprising: a communication unitfor communicating directly with an external image output apparatus; astorage unit configured to store at least one image file of an inputimage and at least one conversion file that includes conversioninformation for carrying out color conversion in a preset color spacecommon to said image input apparatus and said image output apparatus; adetermination unit configured to determine whether or not said imageoutput apparatus in communication with said image input apparatusthrough said communication unit has a color conversion functionconfigured to implement color conversion of an image of an image fileusing conversion information included in a conversion file; and acontrol unit configured to transfer through said communication unit theconversion file and the image file to said image output unit if it isdetermined by said determination unit that said image output apparatusdoes have the color conversion function.
 9. The image input apparatusaccording to claim 8, wherein said control unit is configured totransfer a plurality of image files to said image output apparatus. 10.The image input apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said controlunit is configured to transfer multiple conversion files defining aplurality of different color conversions, respectively, to said imageoutput apparatus.
 11. The image input apparatus according to claim 8,wherein said storage unit is further configured to store a color spaceconversion file that includes conversion information for converting animage of an image file from a color space of said image input apparatusto said preset color space common to said image input apparatus and saidimage output apparatus, and said control unit is further configured totransfer said color space conversion file to said image output apparatusthrough said communication unit.
 12. The image input apparatus accordingto claim 8, wherein said control unit is further configured to transferthrough said communication unit a job file indicating transfer of theconversion file and the image file.
 13. An image output apparatuscomprising: a communication unit for communicating directly with anexternal image input apparatus; a control unit configured to receivefrom said image input apparatus through said communication unit at leastone image file and at least one conversion file that includes conversioninformation for carrying out color conversion in a preset color space; acolor conversion unit configured to carry out color conversion of animage of the received image file using the conversion informationincluded in the conversion file; and an output unit configured to outputan image color-converted by said color conversion unit.
 14. The imageoutput apparatus according to claim 13, wherein said color conversionunit carries out color conversion of images of a plurality of said imagefiles transferred from said image input apparatus using the conversioninformation included in the conversion file.
 15. The image outputapparatus according to claim 13, wherein said control unit is furtherconfigured to receive from said image input apparatus multipleconversion files defining a plurality of different color conversions,respectively, and said color conversion unit carries out a plurality ofdifferent color conversions of the image of the received image fileusing the conversion information included in the multiple conversionfiles.
 16. The image output apparatus according to claim 13, furthercomprising a memory unit configured to store the received conversionfile, wherein, when a conversion file is stored in said memory unit,said color conversion unit carries out color conversion of the image ofthe received image file using conversion information included in theconversion file stored in said memory unit.
 17. The image outputapparatus according to claim 13, wherein said control unit is furtherconfigured to receive from said image input apparatus a color spaceconversion file that includes conversion information for converting animage of an image file from a color space of said image input apparatusto a preset color space common to said image input apparatus and saidimage output apparatus, and said image output apparatus furthercomprises a color space conversion unit configured to carry out colorconversion of the image of the received image file using the conversioninformation included in the color space conversion file prior toexecution of the color conversion by said color conversion unit.
 18. Theimage output apparatus according to claim 13, wherein said control unitis further configured to receive a job file indicating transfer of theconversion file and the image file, and wherein said control unit isconfigured to receive the image file and the conversion file based onsaid received job file.